I have been attending City Council and School Committee meetings regularly for the last five years. Though both bodies include the Pledge of Allegiance in their agendas, I have chosen not to participate. I respect and understand that the Pledge of Allegiance resonates with many as an impactful way to demonstrate their patriotism. Personally, pledging allegiance to a symbol of our country is at odds with my understanding of the freedoms America aims to embody. This is the beauty of American freedom: we can all choose to demonstrate our beliefs in the way we feel most appropriate. My personal patriotism is not demonstrated through stating a pledge, but by concrete actions of working to support our community.
Growing up, I said the Pledge of Allegiance every day in school. Like most kids, I didn’t think too much about it. As I got older and learned more about the complex history of our nation, our relationship with liberty, and the symbols that represent us, I grappled with how strange it is to profess the value of liberty for all by pledging allegiance to the flag. Liberty is not represented by mandated actions, but rather by one’s freedom to express their personal beliefs in a manner they are comfortable with, even when their beliefs may be different from others’, and particularly when the form of expression may be unpopular.
Our Constitution guarantees us the freedom of speech. This includes how we choose to express our patriotism. I have the utmost respect for our service members, veterans, and those who have given their lives defending our constitutional rights. My grandfather served in the Navy during World War II and my father served in the Air Force during the Vietnam War. To me, the sacrifices they made defending us are best honored by exercising our defended freedoms to strengthen our communities.
The pledge I make is to my Newport community: to continue showing up and to work for a livable future for all of us. As I’ve knocked on doors this summer and fall, our neighbors have shared their concerns for their well-being, the long-term sustainability of our schools and neighborhoods, and their ability to afford to remain here. I demonstrate my patriotism and commitment to our American ideals by dedicating my time and effort to addressing these real concerns of our community, and to improve quality of life for all our neighbors. This is the pledge I have taken as a resident, and the one that I will keep as a Councilor.
Emily Conklin
Candidate, Newport City Council, Ward 2
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